Rockville Centre resident honored by Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center

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Rockville Centre resident John Cameron received the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County (HMTC)’s Legacy Award at its 27th annual tribute dinner on Nov. 13.

The organization honors one dedicated board member with the award each year. It also gave the Public Service Award to Oyster Bay Cove resident Martin Bloch, a Holocaust survivor, and the Bruce Morrell Education Award to Huntington Station resident Gail Kastenholz, who is the daughter of Holocaust survivors.

“It is truly humbling to be recognized alongside them,” Cameron said in his acceptance remarks that evening.

HMTC held the dinner and fundraising event at Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation. Members, friends, family and supporters gathered in celebration of the non-profit’s year long efforts to provide Holocaust education and increase human rights advocacy.

Cameron has been involved with these efforts for about seven years now. Although he is Catholic, he is devoted to promoting religious freedom and making sure the lessons of the Holocaust are being taught.

“The Holocaust was not just a crime against Jewish people but against humanity,” he said the day after accepting his award. “I was excited to speak about why it’s important to me and my faith.”

At the ceremony, Cameron explained that his father was a Scottish immigrant to the United States for religious freedom. Cameron’s paternal grandmother was Catholic, and in the 20th century, “Catholicism was not tolerated in Scotland,” he said.

“My grandmother, a woman of strong faith, actually convinced my grandfather to emigrate to America along with their five children so she could freely practice her religion,” his story continued. “Shortly after passing through Ellis Island and settling in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, my grandmother had her five children converted to Catholicism. Twenty-five years after my grandmother’s passing, my grandfather converted.”

As a result of this journey and strong religious values, Cameron noted, he was raised in a household that condemned bigotry of all kinds.

When approached with the idea to join the HMTC’s board several years ago, Cameron thought it was a perfect opportunity to support a cause “near and dear to my heart,” he said. He has been helping with the organization ever since, forming strong relationships between Catholic ministries and the center and promoting Holocaust education in the area.

“John is one of the most community minded and honorable people I have ever known,” said HMTC Chairman Steven Markowitz. “He has brought energy and commitment to the board and has enhanced our relationships throughout Long Island.”

Cameron has lived in Rockville Centre for more than 30 years now. His wife of 47 years, Loretta, and children, Andrew and Christine, joined him at the dinner last week.

“My father grew up in a family respectful of all people regardless of their race, creed or ethnicity,” Cameron said. “My siblings and I grew up in a home with those same values. I hope that my wife and I were able to do the same for our children.”

Cameron owns Cameron Engineering & Associates, LLP, with offices in Long Island and Manhattan. The company has been in business for 35 years now. Cameron’s charitable work extends beyond HMTC — he has also been honored by ERASE Racism and Vision Long Island for his corporate and regional leadership.

“I think it’s critical we speak up against these issues and against hate speech,” he noted, “and I personally do that wherever I can. It’s incumbent upon us to make sure our world is better for children and grandchildren.”